Summer Stress Showing in Your Lawn? Lawn Doctor Offers These Tips…
Posted by Laura Nelson on August 1, 2009
By Joe Dix,
The Lawn Doctor
Spring rains and cool temperatures keep lawns looking nice and green. During June, July, and August, though, less rain and hotter temperatures bring signs of stress with lawns looking less green and more yellow. Joe Dix, owner of Wheaton’s Lawn Doctor has some suggestions.
“Sometimes we’re asked if skipping a service in the summer will decrease stress to a lawn.” Dix says the materials are adjusted to account for the environmental conditions throughout the year, particularly during the summer. The summer services feed the lawn’s roots; when moisture returns, the lawn has the strength to recover.
Stressed lawns are susceptible to surface-feeding insect damage, and it’s important to treat and control damaged areas of turf before insects ruins the lawn. It’s critical to maintain care when your lawn needs it most.
Besides maintaining the service schedule, there are several other things a homeowner must do to keep the lawn in top condition:
– Keep mower blades sharp (1-2 times per season) so grass is evenly cut and not ripped.
– Cut only 1/3 of the grass blade each cutting. Grass height should be around 3-3.5″.
– Water thoroughly 2-3 times a week.
– Water in early morning before 10am. Watering in the evening promotes fungus and yellowing.
– Have core aeration done at least once a year to promote water uptake and maximum fertilizer benefit.
– Keep thatch layer at less than 1/2″ as heavily-thatched lawns are breeding grounds for insects and diseases. While core aeration can help keep thatch in check, sometimes a mechanical dethatching is required.
To have your lawn inspected and evaluated, call Joe Dix at Lawn Doctor. (630) 681-8580.
Tags:Home & Garden
